Frequency of tune-ups?

[Pho'dUp]

What's the advantage of the full housing on the shifters (the cables, right?)?[/quote]

Full housing keeps the dirt, grit, and water(rust) from fouling up your cables. And keeps them sliding smooth. This can be good for both shifter cables and cable actuated brakes. If you don't want to drill out your stops on your frame you can look into Jagwires system or you can just zip-tie the housing to your frame. I zipped it on my specialized. I'll post a pic later.

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

Allen wrenches, this is what i carry with me:

Craftsman 13 pc. Hex Key Set, Ball End Metric at sears.com

[pshloss]

Originally Posted by Pho'dUp

What's the advantage of the full housing on the shifters (the cables, right?)?

The full housing option is a good idea, which I may try next time. What I have been doing and is working pretty well is going with the teflon coated cables and changing housings and cables at the same time. Then between replacements I don't use any lube in the housing (it just attracts dirt). But the full housing idea sounds easier than replacing housing sections anyway and should be a litle more effective.

i basically do a "tune-up" after every ride, regardless of conditions. parts last longer and/or you find the minor things to fix so they don't become a bigger more expensive problem.